a quick and hearty meal

Japanese Chicken Curry. Yum! Warm and hearty, tasty and easy to make!
First off, yes! There is a Japanese curry... it's a milder, thicker green curry. They love to eat over rice or poured over a variety of katsu-ed (breaded and fried) meats. What makes this super easy is you buy "curry cubes", like giant bullion cubes that have all the spice and flavor dehydrated and ready to go. Just add water!

Cube chicken and brown with a little bit of oil and lightly flavor with garlic salt and pepper.
Add diced carrots, potatoes, celery and onions and saute until partially cooked.
Add water and bring to boil (Follow instructions on instant curry box)
Add curry bricks. Simmer.
and you're done!

Serve over rice (or not, if you're low-carbing it) or with a little Punahou (our high school in Hawaii) Carnival mango chutney.

Enjoy!
(ps, I know it's been hot these days, but I actually made this a couple of weeks ago when down this way it was a chilly 68 in the evenings!)

pretty in pink or meat-fest 2009

Jessica's birthday is our annual pilgrimage to the House of Mastro's where we create outfits in which to worship large cuts of meat, cure our ailments with stiff drinks and order enough side dishes to atone our sins (and that's a lot of sides. right Hon?). And to commemorate the occasion, we take a multitude of photographs while waiting for the valet.

Dinner was delicious - mountains of meat! and thankfully, they had not run out of the prime rib.

But on to the outfits... We totally didn't plan to be matchy, even though it's one of our things, but you know, sometimes these things just happen - Jess was channeling her inner Rachel Zoe and I was doing my best 80's.

Unfortunately Jess and I are bad people since we need to actually see Pretty In Pink (I KNOW!). Other than us knowing that Molly Ringwald was in it, we can't really tell you any more about it... and as such I can't really make any clever references to it in this post other than the fact that we were both totally pretty in pink!

Deconstructing the RZP

Episode 1, Season 2

The first thing I thought of when I watched the Rachel Zoe Project the other night was how all the people on her "team" are caricatures in a comic or maybe a bad Cathy-type workplace cartoon. (Yeah, it wasn't the clothes, which didn't make their appearance until the end of the episode.)

Tay is that typical passive aggressive underminer that we've all worked with (or that maybe we are?). You hate her because she gets everything done, but has no people skills and complains and whines all the time. She also has no friends because she complains and whines all the time, and because she's better than you - and doesn't hesitate to remind you of it all the time. She's also paranoid that you will come in and do what she does - but better and without whining - and so she's constantly undermining everyone she works with to enforce her own superiority (like not properly explaining the job duties). That way the boss will continue to think she is "indispensable" and thus will keep her on, despite her attitude. Here, Tay wonders where else she can go in the company since she's been working for Rach for three years and her job duties haven't changed. (Hint: Maybe because you won't let anyone else do them.)

Brad is the total opposite. Brad is the personality pet at the office. He's the one chatting you up at the coffee maker, and you are having so much fun you don't realize it's been 30 minutes and you should have been back at your desk 20 minutes ago. He's not that bright and he's so. slow., but he has somehow ingratiated himself into the boss' good graces - so much so that he can do no wrong. I mean, the boss will ask Brad to lunch while you're still there, plugging away on the project. You hate him because you know you are clearly a better employee than him, but WHY CAN'T THE BOSS SEE PAST THE CUTE BOW TIES?

And Rach? She's the typical ditzy boss that doesn't know where to draw the line between "boss" and "friend" so she has a hard time keeping her employees in check.

But! On to the substance of the episode. It starts off with a bang and Rach and the team are dressing five stars for the Golden Globes - Deb Messing, Eva Mendez, Cammie Diaz, Demi Moore, and Anne Hathaway. Drama ensues because there are no good dress options out there and this is the first award show of the season and Eva wants to make a statement and Deb is like a tall drink of water and CD is fashion forward and Annie is nominated and hasn't had a "navy moment" yet, and yeah.

Deb and Demi are dealt with quickly:

Deb is in a navy Vera Wang with green earrings. Rach muses a bit about the green earrings and calls her a "tall drink of water" on the red carpet, but that's about all that's said about that. And I agree. The dress is nice, but...yawn. Also, I don't like the poofy hair. It looks like mine when I just wake up.



Even less is said about Demi. We just know that Brad was dispatched to get her jewelry and that she's dripping in Cartier diamonds.



Again, kinda yawn. It is Christian Dior, and it looked better on the runway. The color choice is fun, but I think it makes Demi look more muscular than necessary. But, you gotta hand it to Demi, she looks GOOD for her age.

Next, is Anne. Rach finds the navy and black Armani Prive and claims it is perfect for her since she is a nominee.


I think it is sort of plain and also too "old" for Anne. Especially with that hair. But Rach said that they thought Anne looked like "Cinderella", so what do I know?

Cammie D's dress was a nail biter because it showed on the runways with one cap sleeve that Rach asked Karl (Lagerfeld, you know) to take off for the Globes because she didn't think the American public was ready for a one-shouldered cap sleeve dress. Karl agreed, but couldn't promise when the dress alterations would be done. But, it was all finished in time, and Tay picked out the perfect silver shoe (I guess CD doesn't really need a 7 inch platform since she's so tall already) and the outfit all came together.



This I like. It's fun and age appropriate and highlights all of Cammie's best assets. The silver shoes and clutch and ring are perfect, and the hair works. (Better than Demi's.) Karl liked it too because he sent Rach a handwritten note afterwards congratulating her and basically saying that he harbored no hard feelings against her for changing La Lagerfeld's design (to suit the less avant garde American public).

Last, was Eva Mendez. Who hadn't been the the Globes in a couple years so really wanted to make a statement. Rach envisioned her in this all white Christian Dior gown that screamed for some vintage, archival, Van Clef turquoise around the neck. (When you're Rach Zoe, you have access to "archival-quality pieces." But the Dior was accidentally shipped to Chanel and Tay had to make sure it got to the studio! And then right before Eva left her house, she found a small spot on the dress behind a pleat! And Rach thinks that a really simple, messy chignon would be the best hair to go with the dress!



I like this one too. I like the architecture of the dress and I like the pop of the necklace, and I remember that it definitely made a statement at the Globes. Even the hair worked. (Though it looked more like a messy french twist instead of a messy chignon.)

All in all, a job well done for the team. (Unlike last year, when Brad didn't leave Rach with a kit. The horror!) However, a rift is developing because it is tradition for everyone on the team to have a viewing party of the red carpet moments of Rach's clients. Brad and the interns show up, but Tay is no where to be found, and has told Rach that she's "worn out" so she's just going home. Is Tay going to quit and open up a competing stylist business? Or maybe she'll go postal and take out Brad and the other interns one by one until it is just her and Rach again? What will happen to Brad? So many things promise to unfold this season....

(All pictures courtesy of Harper's Bazaar.)

Ten weird things about me. (There are a lot more, but let's just start with ten, shall we?)

In honor of my recently-passed birthday, I'm sharing ten weird things about me.

(1) I hardly ever wear make-up or do my hair. My daily routine in the morning is to put the hair in a ponytail and to smear some sunblock on my face. I have spent hundreds of dollars on makeup and hair products and always admire others that are made up and look put together, but I just somehow feel like a kid playing dress up when I wear make up and do the hair.

(2) I am a clean-freak, but I am not a neat-freak. That is to say, that I am constantly concerned about germs, dirt, and invisible food particles in areas that are not "the kitchen sink", but will leave dirty clothes in the hamper in the hallway for weeks (so long as it is in a pre-designated "dirty" area) and clean clothes unfolded in the designated "clean" basket for days (oftentimes because there is no "clean" area upon which to fold the clothes). It makes for an interesting apartment, I tell you.

(3) I have really small feet. Like smaller than a 5. But I will buy a 5 if there is an ankle strap or if it is a boot or something that will make the shoe stay on my foot. This has conditioned me to snap up any and all size 4.5 and 5 shoes that I ever see (they are so rare) - which is not very good for my wallet.

(4) I think diet soda is lame - I have very strong feelings about this. And yes, Coke Zero counts as diet. There is just something...icky about it. Like really? You can't just enjoy a Coke? And if you are just so concerned about calories, then just drink water! There is seriously no point for diet soda. And I call bullshit on "I like the taste of diet Coke better than regular Coke." Come on. No one likes the taste of fake sugar. (Related: Single people - NEVER date a man that has mixed drinks made with diet soda, like a "jack and diet". You just KNOW that he'll be bringing an overabundance of issues to the table. Not worth it.)

(5) I have very specific laundry procedures. This includes washing (certain) clothes in both detergent and ammonia. I won't go into more detail about this because even just thinking about it makes me realize how crazy I sound.

(6) I like to christen each year with a certain attitude or thing that I'd like to accomplish. Last year was "footloose and fancy free" which meant that I was trying to pay off my credit card debt, and I was trying to work out more. I didn't succeed entirely by my birthday, so I have extended the deadline for "footloose and fancy free" until the end of the year. I can definitely pay off the debt by then, and then I can claim the year as a success.

(7) Relatedly, I also like to christen "looks" with names. Mostly, I name Jason's looks. When he was dressing sweater vests and looking for jackets with elbow patches, I called it "The Absent-Minded Professor". And when he was only wearing black, white, and gray with hints of red, I named it, "Every Rose Has its Thorn." LOVE naming Jason's looks.

(8) I hate sauces or condiments of any kind. I'll order pasta with sauce on the side and will just add a dribble. I special order my McDonald's burgers dry. I don't need any hot sauce from Taco Bell, and don't eat ketchup with my fries. The only exception is chili cheese fries or poutines or anything with country gravy. Man do I love me some country gravy.

(9) I am inordinately and morbidly obsessed with the bubonic plague. Mostly, the actual medical manifestations of the illness and how it spread and what the symptoms were and how it was treated, but also the societal upheaval that occurred in its wake.

(10) I am highly susceptible to "food smells" on my clothes and in my hair and it will bother me if I can't change my clothes and shower immediately thereafter. The most egregious places where one can pick up food smells is at Japanese restaurants, Korean restaurants, and any other place where they deep fry a lot of the food. (Unfortunately, these are also some of my favorite places to eat.) I just have to remember to wear machine washable clothes to these places, and plan to come home to shower immediately thereafter.

back to basics take 2

Jessica and I are the kinds of people that the boys and girls behind the cosmetic counters dream about. Easy sells. Product whores. Suckers. Call us what you may, but we will so take the wash, the toner and a candle to qualify for the mini-bag filled with samples! But no more! Or at least I'm making an effort not to do it any more... I'm going back to basics.

I was strolling the aisles of Target in awe and bewilderment, how I like to do, and got sucked into the Biore section. I was drawn to the Triple Action Astringent - it cleanses, tightens, clears, and contains a salicylic acid acne treatment! I've been using it after cleansing and shaving in the mornings (at night I use a moisture rich toner for my old wrinkled skin) and it's wonderful. I've been using it for about 2 months and it's minimized my black heads and it leaves a cool tingling sensation all over, which is perfect for the balmy summer mornings. And at $7.00 a bottle, its a near guilt free purchase!

a magical monday night

your majesties sans their signature sunglasses...

Image via nymag.com

Ok everyone! Time to set the Tivo and DVR for a night that we've ALL been looking forward to! Tonight, Monday 8/24, TV is going to be AH-MAH-zing!!!

-The night will start with the return of The Rachel Zoe Project (more gushing here)! I'm DYing just thinking about it.
-And then in a rare interview and tv appearance, Queen Anna Wintour will be on David Letterman (to talk about The September Issue - which is something else that I'm dying to see and will have it's own post in the near future.)!!! How is this going to go down? I'm so INTRIGUED. I saw the 60 Minutes interview and that was some good stuff. But can Anna do comedy? I'm thinking she can... she can do anything.

10:00-11:00pm, Bravo - Rachel Zoe Project
(note my DVR says 10:00 - 11:01pm. and yay for the east coast HD Time Warner feed! I'll be watching it at 7pm and possibly again at 8pm!)

11:30-12:30am, CBS - The Late Show with David Letterman
(note my DVR says 11:35pm-12:35pm)

Monday night tv never looked so good - it's gonna be baNAHnas!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

A must read!


Picture from The Daily Mail.

I had heard about this book on NPR and then saw it at the airport bookstore when I was traveling to Philadelphia for the wedding, and since I had nothing to do on the 5 hour flight (trashy mags can only take you so far), I picked it up. I started reading it when the flight took off...and I didn't put the book down until I finished the whole thing about three hours later.

It is a sentimental book, but in a good way. Written in the epistolary style, and set in post-World War II England, the characters and their distinct personalities bloom right before your eyes and you find yourself cheering for a "happy ending," though you are not quite sure exactly what that specific ending is. The book is witty, charming, and engaging, and I guarantee that you will finish it with a sigh (because it is over) and a smile (because of that happy ending).

lifetime delivered like dominos!

Image via mylifetime.com

Lifetime SO got me tonight - 3 and a half hours of magic! I'm so happy that Project Runway was left as-is (they didn't cock it up with the feared lifetime-movie-of-the-week sap!) and aside from the commercial mix, I could have sworn I was still watching Bravo, complete with the commercials for Top Chef Las Vegas (strange no?). But the true break out of the evening, to me, was Models of the Runway!

Models of the Runway, is the 30 mintue show that follows the err... um... models of the runway. It's as all the drama, hotness, backstabbing and unrequited lust (not yet, but it's coming!) that makes the best reality TV. But it's true brilliance is that it shows some behind the scenes and unused footage from Runway that you always knew was there, but they never reveal. It's all the smack-talk and bitchiness that you wanted to hear... it could have even been an hour! As Heidi says, "You've seen them walk the walk, but you've never seen them like this!"

Now, Lifetime, you'll make my day if you show us "Judges of the Runway"!!!

today is a special day!

She's forever footloose and fancy free!
Happy Birthday Jess!

lifetime is gonna get you

Project Runway is back!!! Finally, after months of drama, nasty legal battles, teasers and media gossip, the OG of fashion reality TV will be on the air again. But Lifetime, after a slew of terrible ads and lifetime-movie-styled promos, is taking full advantage of the new jewel in their crown with 3 and a half hours of PR programming!

Thursday night 8/20 on Lifetime (shiver!)
8-10pm - Project Runway All Stars: all the cast offs we loved, minus Jeff Sebelia (he won! why is he back?) and Sweet P (she was lame! why is she back?) are back to battle it on in one looong-ass challenge.

10-11pm - Project Runway Season 6: Hurray! and Hurray for Hollywood!!

11-11:30pm - Models of the Runway: hmmm who knew they'd get their own show? Although in season 1, it was nice that they were a little more included, but only to be phased out in subsequent seasons. Will it be as good a Top Model? We'll see!

Thank goodness for the DVR! And I'm just happy to have some decent fashion reality on tv again! And although there was The Fashion Show, it was crap - Issac and Kelly need to stop. There is a reason the show has not been renewed for a 2nd season yet... And as far as other option go, I do love the old reruns that Bravo has been playing, but they've been far and few. And "Launch My Line" hasn't started yet.

So here's to Project Runway! Let's just hope Lifetime doesn't mess it up!

what to do with a Nordstrom's gift card?

I received a gift certificate from my friend, MJ,as an early birthday present. With the gift certificate burning a hole in my inbox (it was sent to be by email), I could not help but do some online browsing. Ultimately, I settled on the Brass Plum shoes above, because they were very affordable, and my current black patent leather wedges are looking a little beat up, so it was a good alternative.

I had also looked at some highlighted fall trends to see if there were other things I could spend the gift certificate on. Did you know there is a whole section on "fancy" leggings (priced at about $200, which is absolutely ridiculous) that have zippers and buttons, and actually look like real pants (but they are leggings)? The mind reels. I also checked out some boyfriend blazers, but didn't trust the fit online - because I'm so short, an oversize boyfriend blazer could end up looking like a Slanket on me. Even the jumpsuit/rompers were absurdly expensive! In the end, I decided to go with the shoes, and I can't be more excited! Thank you MJ for the fabulous birthday present.

Never Blend In

Picture from the The San Francisco Sentinel.

Last night, MVSGF and I watched Milk. My takeaway? Live fearlessly. Not knowing much of the actual history of Mr. Milk or the gay rights movement of the '70s, I was surprised and disappointed to see that we are still grappling with the same issues today.

Harvey Milk was controversial, sure. And out-spoken, yes. But he fully and completely believed in this cause, and he knew that it was bigger than just him, and he was willing to sacrifice everything, including his own personal life, for it. And no matter what your personal beliefs, you've gotta admire that.

a smile indeed

black pants just do not photograph well! and I'm not about to post a pic of my ass in them... (but that doesn't mean I didn't try taking some!)

oh Barneys, what was wrong with Santa Monica? Sigh! You may have read from Jess or our previous post that the Warehouse Sale was moved to a new locale. So we hauled our asses all the way to the convention center on Saturday for a day of retail therapy.

Which, was not all bad. Actually, once there, it was quite fantastic - as you see Jess scored a fabulous pair of Lanvin's! and I, with my pant-obsession, got a new black pair with an odd seam on the backside. (well, I guess noting that they're Comme des Garcon, we can agree that the seam-thing is really not that odd at all... side note - the pants have reinspired a vision for myself for fall... now I need a work appropriate boot to go with!) I oddly only have 1 other pair of black pants that are work appropriate, but I've taken those out of my rotation ever since my boss slapped my ass and uttered a lewd remark the last time I wore them. My other black pants are tux pants (fyi - I love tux pants).

Anyhow here's the good and bad of this summer's Barneys sale:

Bad
1) New location is far, inconvenient, and trafficy
2) Parking! $12 to park in the convention center lot and about $10 or so for the shady street lots. So I WON'T be doing "my usual" aka going like every other day on scouting missions. (I even rescheduled a Dr's appointment for Tuesday so I'd have reason to be in LA during the sale! But with the parking cost and the traffic headache of getting there, I will most likely not be going again until the final weekend)
3) I agree with Jess, the prices seemed high and not as clearance as I remember them
4) Less people and lost of foreigners (less people is not really a bad thing, I guess)

Good
1) More space
2) More merchandise (surprisingly! I thought that department stores were buying 30% less that in years pass due to the recession? perhaps this is due more so to the fact of greater numbers of people not buying?)
3) DRESSING ROOMS! yes! not really rooms, but a couple of large curtained off areas with mirrors. (without which I would not have bought the pants that I did for fear of the seams... and I would have ended up, most likely, with 2 others - one D&G in chocolate brown that I loved but were too big... and the other John Varvatos black tux pant with double stripes down the side, that only when tried on revealed a strange puckering around the pockets making the wearer look HIPPY.)
4) Clean bathrooms
5) Starbucks right outside

Well, good and bad... nothing is ever perfect. But I still say we write out local congressman, the mayor and Simon Doonan requesting the sale's return to the Barker Hanger!

Lanvins and a smile at the Barney's sale

I've had a love/hate relationship with the Barney's warehouse sale because I used to end up spending boatloads of money for items that don't quite fit right, but are a must buy because they are so heavily marked down. Case in point: A gorgeous Zac Posen purple silk dress in a size 6, that was marked down from $2000 to $400 something. I took it to my tailor, and he was like, "Honey, we'd basically need to deconstruct and re-sew this entire dress for it to fit you." Disaster! (I sold it to a wonderful lady on craigslist a couple months later, and it fit her like a glove, so it all worked out for the best.)

But, it hasn't all been a bust. Throughout the years, I've found some great things as well: Black patent platform wedges, the fabulous pink work purse, a Marc Jacobs ruched dress, and a Katayone Adeli pinstripe jacket.

On Saturday, I went with Jason to check out the new digs at the LA Convention Center. Dear Barney's: Yeah, about moving to the Convention Center? Notsomuch. I would like it very much if you would go back to the hangar. xoxo, Jess. Going to the Convention Center forces you to deal with downtown traffic and those miserable one way streets. It also forces you to PAY $12 FOR PARKING. I know some people (ahem, Jase) who used to pop in to the warehouse sale on an almost daily basis before or after work when it was in Santa Monica - but the parking and downtown situation make that nearly impossible to do this year. The only good thing about the Convention Center was that there are actual restrooms there instead of the port-a-potties that used to line the outside of the hangar. I wonder how the move worked out for Barney's? (There seemed to be a lot of people there, but it didn't feel as crowded as usual.)

Anyway, I made a bee-line toward the shoes, which was probably my downfall right there. Because as I was scouring the size 5 rack (my small feet are the bane of my existence), I found not one, not two, but THREE fabulous shoes. The Lanvins, a pair of electric blue Louboutin statement shoes, and black, suede, ankle fringed Manolos. Each priced in the $200 - $400 range, and marked down from close to one thousand dollars. Obviously, I could not get all three (I love shoes, but they are not my life). (As a side note, I remember when the shoes at the warehouse sale were in the $100 range. Why are shoes so expensive now??)

I tried on the Louboutins (which were a little big, but whatever):



And I tried on the Lanvins:





I loved them both, but I couldn't buy them both (even I am not that ridiculous). So, after walking around with both for an hour, I went with the Lanvins, because I would definitely get more use out of them. Plus, the box is so pretty. But, I told the shoe guy that I may come back next weekend and if the Louboutins are still there and marked down even more, I would buy them. He said, "You seem like a nice person, so I hope that happens for you." I don't know if I'll really be back next weekend, but I was reminded that a little bit of "niceness" to others - in the middle of the shopping frenzy - is worth more than all the Lanvins and Louboutins you can buy.

paper towels, 409, febreeze and rodarte all in one place

Rodarte Fall 2009

Image via laceandtea.blogspot.com

I know, I know... It's not breaking news at this point. But it is so worth repeating. Rodarte for Target! This is why we lovet Target so. And love the Mulleavy gals and hope that they'll do a men line one day. But is middle-America ready for fur, thigh high boots, super hero mini-dresses and fantastically layered deconstruction? We'll find out on December 20th!

a little inspiration from mom and top chef

I had the salmon at home and there was the most beautiful cilantro for cheap at the market. But, once I got home I had no idea what I was going to do with the two. I was going over it in my head all Top Chef-style, until luckily a call from mom, who regaled me with about an hour's worth of stories from home, ended by chance with a recent chicken that she made with a mayonnaise marinade (so Hawaii!).

So, I give you (a cilantro-mayo) baked salmon with corn on the cob and pan tossed spinach. It SO would have got me passed the Quick Fire challenge... at least I think it would.

Salt and pepper the salmon steaks and lay in a baking dish greased in butter. Chop cilantro and green onions and fold into mayonnaise and a little bit of lemon juice. Spread cilantro mixture on the salmon steaks and bake until cooked. Enjoy!

PS - I also would like to share with you my favorite and quick way of cooking corn on the cob (for one!). Put corn in a frying pan, add a little water and cover with a lid. Bring to a a boil, checking and turning the corn regularly. Once water has evaporated, continue to pan fry the corn on a low heat, turning as the kernels brown, add oil if necessary. After a few minutes, you'll have a perfectly plump and cooked corn on the cob!

bootie - licious

Since earlier this year, I have been in the market for a fabulous ankle bootie that I could wear with leggings or skirts. However, all the ones I found were either too expensive, or too strange looking, and I'm sorry, but I can't bring myself to pay upwards of $200+ for a trend that I may or may not love. But tonight, my quest is over, because I found these fun ankle booties for less than $50! From Payless.com!

They aren't exactly what I wanted (ideally, I'd like a higher platform heel and maybe some well-placed cut-outs), but I just can't beat the price. AND they also come in an awesome electric purple, which I will totally also buy if it turns out that I love these black/grey ones. Yay! I will post a picture as soon as I get them!

this is why you're fat (the website)

Image via thisiswhyyourefat.com

When looking for recipe inspiration online, I stumbled upon this little gem: Doughnut french fries with raspberry jelly and Bavarian cream dipping sauce! ah-yum!

Don't know how I got there, I was looking for new ways to cook salmon... (cross my heart!) but how delicious does that look? Deep fried breads rolled in sugar... mmmmm, doughnuts!

The site that posted this was like heaven, seriously! Check out the other little ditties that they have photos of: thisiswhyyourefat.com PS - love the name!

Mcsliders? I'm SO going to try that! Oh, or serve it at my next house party!

mmmmm, Mcslider...!

my dirty little beauty secret

Image from Acne Compare.

Since Jason is sharing his "back to basics" beauty secrets, I thought I would share my skin care regime as well. I would not say that I used to have very bad skin or anything, but I would occasionally break out, and when I did, it would be those deep, under the skin, takes forever to go away zits. And, I found that as I got older, they would not go away! I tried everything - weekly facials, microdermabrasion, dermatologists, expensive beauty products (La Mer, Dauphin, Natura Bisse, pretty much anything you can buy on the first floor of Barney's or NM), cortizone injections...but while some of these things would help (LOVE the triple oxygen facial at Bliss with microdermabrasion), none of these things would provide me with any long-term results for clear skin.

I had heard about Proactiv, but honestly, I dismissed it because it was on an infomercial. Then I started to hear about other friends of friends that used it. And these friends of friends had great skin! And one day a few years ago, I noticed that there was a Proactiv vending machine in the Century City mall (hidden in the corner by the movie theater!). And it was a day that I was particularly fed up with my skin. So I purchased the spot treatment and the small travel pack of the cleanser, toner, and repairing lotion, and vowed to try it for a week. The spot treatment was pretty useless (sorry, but I've got to be honest), and the week came and went with no noticeable change in my skin.

But, I got into the habit of using the Proactiv, and I didn't want to screw up its effectiveness by alternating with other products, and frankly I was tired of spending hundreds of dollars on "lotions and potions". So when I had gone through the entire travel bottles, I thought I would get the regular size, because it was cheaper than any of the other cleansing regimes. And slowly, without even really noticing, my breakouts became less frequent. And when I went to facials, the aestheticians would comment about how clear my skin was, and how it hardly any congestion. My skin is softer than its ever been, and I never really worry about breakouts now.

Of course, I still get clogged pores and blackheads occasionally, but I rarely get those deep red zits anymore. And I've saved probably thousands of dollars on products and now only treat myself to facials about twice a year. (Okay, maybe three times a year.) In terms of cost, convenience, and effectiveness, Proactiv has definitely worked for me!

back to basics take 1

My name is Jason... and I suffer from adult acne. It's sad but true! So in an effort to tame the outbreaking beast (and curb my spending), I decided to take things back to basics. Instead of reaching for those pricey but fantastic products that I'm drawn to at every department store cosmetic counter and Sephora, I went to the drug store. And who doesn't love the drug store? Rite Aid, CVS, select Bed Bath & Beyonds, and Target... (btw -it's kind of a favorite pastime Jess and I to roam the aisles, usually on a Friday or Saturday night -I know!- buying up many a miracle stain remover, the latest in dental hygiene and hair care, or wrinkle remover.)

Anyhow, back to basics!, I started with face wash - Cetaphil (the Gentle Skin Cleanser not the Daily Facial Cleanser version. The packaging is similar so careful!). I've been using is for over a year now with ah-maz-ing results. It's affordable, non comedogenic, friend, dermatologist and internet recommended. (Also, in my head drug store bought products have less "exotic" ingredients that can clog and irritate pores and I'm testing the theory that for products, they can be just as effective as the fancy stuff.)

After using Cetaphil, which goes on like a lotion and can be applied on dry skin, my face feels supple and clean. Although, I love a squeaky-clean feeling, I've learned that it's no good for people "my age". Cleansers that leave the skin squeaky-clean, actually do so by over-stripping it. Doing such dehydrates the skin, causing wrinkles and fine lines. And another result of the dehydration is that it causes the skin to produce oil. And who wants a wrinkled, dry and oily face!?

Results:
-Less breakouts (I still get them, but not as bad as the pre-Cetaphil days)
-Clean and supple skin
-Money saved (Target has the larger 16 oz. version for $8.94! and the last time I bought it , it came with a sample of their new Facial 50 spf Moisturizer. I've been using it and it's great stuff!)

Sunday Night Eats

Traditionally, I cook a full meal on Sunday nights. Admittedly, some Sunday night dinners are more elaborate than others. However, I had fallen off the cooking bandwagon recently due to our busy weekend schedule, and I finally had a Sunday with enough time to really get some pots and pans dirty.

In honor of MVSGF's excitement over the OMG IT IS THE FIRST GAME OF THE PRE-SEASON (football, in case you didn't know), I decided to make a hearty dinner utilizing all of our favorite things: Bacon? Check. Cheese? Check. Check. Potatoes? Check. Check. Check. It is my take on Chicken Cordon Bleu, and it is cribbed entirely from The Pioneer Woman's website, and her recipe for her husband's second favorite sandwich.

The premise is simple - pan fry the bacon (the most tedious and messy and time-consuming part), then season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper, and pan fry them in the bacon pan with some of the bacon grease. Once the chicken is nearly done, layer some bacon strips on the top of the chicken, as well as a slice of cheese. Cover the frying pan with a lid to allow the chicken to cook all the way through and the cheese to melt. Like so.



The Pioneer Woman serves it as as a sandwich, but I decided to serve it instead with some Betty Crocker Cheesy Potatoes from the box (because the dinner just wasn't rich enough), and roasted asparagus. A Sunday night success for sure.

refreshing summer cooler

A half-healthy half-not refreshing summer cooler!

I juice a grapefruit, than add 1 part soda water (or vodka, if so inclined) and 1 part ginger ale and stir it all together with crushed ice. Delish!

jigga what? the convention center?

Image via barneys.com

It's the most wonderful time of year people! Time for the Barney's Warehouse sale!!! Although I'm a bigger fan of the winter clearance, it still looks like I'm going to be up in LA a couple err, a few err, multiple times before the 23rd. (I know. It's a sick addiction...)

But note, fellow Angelenos, we can no longer call it the "hanger sale"... Barker Hanger no more!(as in airplane "hanger" at the Santa Monica Airport for those non-southern californians out there) It's been moved down town to the Convention Center! huh? (in the Scooby Doo voice) So does that mean the dollars saved on clothes will be spent on parking? It'll be interesting... We'll keep you posted!

ssam like it hot

A light but fulfilling dinner!

Ssam in Korean means wrapped, but is also refers to a dish where leafy veggies are wrapped around meats and other heartier items. You know, like the Lettuce Wraps at P.F. Chang's? or like the Momofuku Ssam Bar in NYC made famous by AH-MAH-ZING David Chang?

Anyway, I made ssam for dinner the other night. It's delicious, SO easy to prepare and perfect for the hot summer weather! I picked up the parts at Mitsuwa and H Mart, except for the lettuce. (I've been getting my produce from the Asian markets because it's dirt cheap; red leaf lettuce = $0.30 a head! But this time, I happened to be at Pavilions = $1.49 a head! But it was worth it - so beautiful, full and close to perfect. Not one wilted leaf!)

Gather cleaned whole lettuce leaves, cooked bbq beef (or flavored meat of choice), cucumbers, kim chee (spicy pickled cabbage and/or other pickled vegetables), and tofu (as a replacement for rice). And miso and kochujang (spicy Korean Miso) on the side to spread on the lettuce, like mayo in a sandwich. Make mini-burritos with the lettuce as the wrapper and enjoy!


Ssam with Berkshire pork and Jessica enjoying a Korean burrito at Momofuku Ssam Bar in NYC

80s redux V2

So, inspired by my last attempt to bring the 80's to my office, I told myself that I'd continue to do so at least once a week. Well, it's been more than 2 weeks and I haven't been able to get it together again.

Bah! I'm not a morning person. After hitting the snooze, I end up racing the clock and grabbing the clothes in combinations that I've been wearing for years... But with a little bit of pre-planning, I came up with this little ditty. It may not be the whole flock of seagulls, but it's at least a bird or 2, right?

Shirt - Banana Republic $20 (sale!)

Jacket - H&M $50 (same one!)

Tie - Club Monaco $24 (gift!)

Pants - Theory, Bloomingdale's $60 (sale!)

what's in your (travel) bag?

I spent the better part of the night re-organizing my travel accoutrements. Seen pictured is my mid-size travel bag. I used to have three sizes of travel bag - the small had carry-on ability and could really only hold a toothbrush and some face wash. The mid-size bag had to be checked, but held a toothbrush, face soap, toner, moisturizer, deodorant, sunscreen, and conditioner. I also have a large size bag that holds all of the above, plus hotel slippers, a washcloth, some perfume, a razor, lip gloss, and a little bit of mattifying makeup.

Tonight, I decided to revamp, clean, update, and consolidate. I scaled down to just two bags the mid-size and the large. However, I tried to streamline the mid-size to *just* include absolutely necessary items (toothbrush, face wash, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, deodorant) so it is lightweight and easily travel-able.



Next, I cleaned out the rarely used large bag, and emptied it of all the old travel size La Mer products (which have long lost their effectiveness, I'm sure). I put in new wash/toner/moisturizer, and then included all the possible extras I could think of - hotel slippers, a washcloth, perfume, floss, blister band-aids, lip balm, hair conditioner, hair elastics, cotton balls, q-tips, alcohol wipes...everything I could think of. And to think, it all fit in this bag!



Tell me, what do you pack in your travel bag(s)?

daily glamour has arrived

Image from rachelzoe.com

Did everyone get some glamour in their inbox this morning?!
I was so looking forward to it especially since yesterday Rach sent us all a little teaser prepping us for the bahnahnas that were on the way. So as fantastic as it was, I was kinda thinking that there was going to be more... Am I alone? Maybe it was just the beginning? No, it WAS just the beginning. There is truth in having too much of a good thing, especially all at once. Tomorrow IS another day and there is more glamour to come!

Philly, fluffy clouds, and french onion soup

Hello! I am back from my weekend in Philly. I went there primarily for a wedding and secondarily to indulge in cheesesteaks and other delicious foods. Both objectives were accomplished successfully!

As you can see, I wore what I said I would wear - the poofy red and black dress. I paired it with black patent leather no-name pointed-toe ankle-strap sandals, and no purse (because I didn't feel like packing one). The funny thing is that the wedding turned out to be a pretty traditional Hindu wedding, and the bride looked beautiful in bright oranges and reds, so it would have been perfectly appropriate for me to wear the light pink dress after all. Nonetheless, I think the red and black was the best choice!

We stayed at the Sofitel, which was located smack dab in the center of Philly, near all the good restaurants and shopping. Of course, since we were in Philly for less than 36 hours, we were not able to indulge in either fully, but it still remains one of my most favorite hotels...because of the feather bed, which, as I read on one review site "is like the bastard child of a fluffy cloud and a marshmallow". In fact, it was so cozy and comfortable that we slept for 12 hours the first night and close to 10 the second night. Hey, what are vacations for?

Gastronomie-wise, I also discovered that Philly as perfected the art of french onion soup (a delicious example at the bar in the Sofitel the first rainy night we were there). Not only that, but the next day for lunch at the Continental I discovered somthing called "french onion soup dumplings" which turned out to be reduced french onion soup, wrapped in chinese dumpling wrappers, placed in an escargot dish, and baked with melted gruyere on top. It was the most amazing dish - I ate all six of the dumplings with a huge grin on my face.

For our last meal there - Sunday lunch - we grabbed cheesesteaks at the Philly airport, which turned out to be pretty decent and mighty tasty. Steak, processed cheese, french fries, and an icy cold Pepsi - you can't beat that!

Because our visit was so short, we left determined that we could come back soon, and visit Philly properly (and maybe even see the Liberty Bell next time).